2011 Los Angeles Auto Show: Jaguar C-X16 Concept Debut

What's New
The Jaguar C-X16 concept made its American debut at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, resplendent in a new white livery. And we do mean "resplendent." This is a car that photos simply can't capture properly. But believe us, if you have the chance to see it in person, you'll see what we mean.Hopefully, that will happen sooner rather than later. While the Jaguar C-X16 isn't a production car, it forecasts a potential future product from Jaguar. In this case, enthusiasts and lovers of beautiful cars everywhere are hoping this crystal ball is accurate. The C-X16 was initially shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show earlier this year, but we get our first glace in the U.S. later this week in Los Angeles. What we'll see is a study of a smaller sporty Jaguar, one that would compete against smaller sports cars, primarily Porsche's Boxster and Cayman. However, the 381-hp Jaguar C-X16 Concept hides more than just sporty driving under its sleek styling. It's also a hybrid that can travel up to 50 mph on electric power alone.Who It's For
The Jaguar C-X16 Concept—should it ever go into production—is designed to appeal to those in the enthusiast community who find themselves torn. On one hand, they want sporty driving. On the other, they understand that high horsepower equals high fuel consumption, along with the higher emissions that requires. And don't even get us started on the whole geopolitical implications of gas guzzlers. With the C-X16, Jaguar hopes to bridge the gap, giving sports car drivers the power and performance they crave, while still assuaging any guilt.Key Features
As a sports car, the Jaguar C-X16 Concept boasts many other technologies that excite driving enthusiasts. But there are a few other technical tidbits to whet the appetite of drivers with green-tinged glasses, too.

Power: The 381-hp drivetrain is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission. If you need more power, a steering wheel-mounted button gives you extra 95-hp boost from the electric motor.

Low emissions: Jaguar says that the C-X16 puts out 165 grams of carbon dioxide for every kilometer it travels. That puts it within the same range as many European "green" machines, primarily fuel-sipping diesels.

Styling: Seriously. Look at this thing. the C-X16 is one of the most beautiful vehicles to come out of Jaguar, concept or production.

What We Think
The Jaguar C-X16 Concept is remarkably well fleshed-out for something that's supposed to be a one-off. Couple that with the rumors that have swirled for years about Jaguar producing a smaller vehicle to compete with the likes of less expensive sports cars from Germany and elsewhere, and it's not much of a stretch to say that something like this concept will be available at dealerships in the near future. Whether it will have the fancy hybrid drivetrain is anybody's guess, but Jaguar, like all automakers, must make significant strides in fuel economy to meet stringent future federal requirements. With any luck, all fuel sippers in the future will look this good.

New Car Price QuoteFind the best car prices using our free quote tool.